Odisha woman dies despite sister-in-law’s selfless liver donation

In a tragic turn of events, Umakanti Pradhan from Sambalpur’s Jujumura who had recently received liver from her sister-in-law has passed away. Although the liver transplant was successful, Umakanti passed away due to complications, despite prayers and medical efforts to prolong her life.

Despite valiant efforts from medical teams and selfless contribution by her sister-in-law, she succumbed to her illnesses in Hyderabad, where she was receiving treatment. Her death was confirmed by her husband. 

A Tale of Sacrifice and Unconditional Love:

The story of the two sisters-in-law captured imaginations across Odisha. Not only because of Umakanti’s health journey but also due to the inspiring act of her sister-in-law Pratima Pradhan, who selflessly donated part of her liver.

Pratima Pradhan, a devoted housewife, donated a portion of her liver to save her sister-in-law Umakanti’s life. In a world that is often self-centered, where even blood relations sometimes falter, Jujumura, a small town in Sambalpur witnessed the rare act of selflessness.

Also Read: Odisha woman donates piece of liver to sister-in-law in 'rare act of selflessness'

It all began in 2020 when Umakanti, the youngest sister-in-law, underwent gallbladder surgery. A doctor’s mistake, however, turned her life upside down. A severed bile duct led to a series of complications, eventually causing her liver to fail. 

Medical Team's Efforts and Challenges:

With her situation deteriorating, a liver transplant was the only hope. But the hope came with its own hurdles as no family member’s liver matched. That’s when Pratima stepped forward and volunteered to donate a part of her liver to her sister-in-law.

“Since my mother-in-law has passed away, I’ve stepped into the role of one of the eldest in the house. In a selfless act to save my sister-in-law’s life, I willingly donated a portion of my liver,” Pratima had said.

Successfully Liver Transplant and Post-complications: 

Four days ago, in a private hospital in Hyderabad, a part of Pratima’s liver was transplanted into Umakanti successfully. However, though the liver transplant procedure itself was executed successfully, challenges began with a post-surgical infection. 

The infection, despite monitoring and care, aggravated into a condition that compromised other organs, eventually leading to her untimely demise last night, doctors said.